Oh Spring Where Art Thou?

So it's mid March and we are still digging ourselves out of snow storms. This kind of weather can not only wreak havoc on your hair, skin and nails, but also your mental state! I often recommend these simple tips to my patients to increase their health in general, but during the winter months...and especially as they linger on, these tips can become indispensable.

Tip #1: If you can't get some sun, get it in a bottle. Take D3 drops daily to help boost your immune system, keep your bones strong, avoid putting on those extra pounds, and avoid developing SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) symptoms. That's right! Vitamin D will help keep you from getting the winter blues.

My patients often ask me if it makes a difference whether they take capsules or drops. Many health nutritionists agree that liquid gets absorbed faster.

The recommended daily dosage by Ontario Dieticians and Nutritionists:

• Children 1-3 600 - 2500 IU
• Children 4-8 600 - 3000 IU
• Adults 800 - 4000 IU
  

Tip #2: Take your Omega 3 Fats! Whether you take capsules, fish oil or eat the fish itself, omega 3 fatty acids contain essential nutrients (EPA, DHA) that aid in maintaining a healthy mental/emotional balance. Plus they keep your heart healthy, lower cholesterol and fight wrinkles!
Just make sure your Omega 3 supplement is giving you 1500-2000mg of Omega 3 per day and contains at least 500mg of DHA and 750mg of EPA per serving.

• If you don't like taking supplements don't worry! Just 4 ounces of Salmon will give you a whopping 2500mg of Omega 3s!!!

Tip #3: Give your Liver a break. The winter months offer some great holiday feasts and drinks, but unfortunately your liver is the organ taxed with trying to filter and metabolize everything. As Spring approaches, it's a great time to to give your Liver a cleanse. Do this for a week:

• Begin each morning with a glass of lemon in warm water
• Take Milk Thistle (as instructed on label)
• Take Dandelion root drops or drink Dandelion root tea (as instructed on label)
• Avoid alcoholic beverages
• Avoid very greasy, high fat or sugary foods
• Eat Avocado 2-3 times during the week
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day